Comprehensive Breakdown of Full-Service Import Customs Brokerage: Compliance Guide from Documentation to Release

Customs Valuation: Precise Declaration Logic Under 2026 New Regulations

In 2026,the customs valuation system was upgraded with a new related-party transaction data comparison module.It clarifies that indirect costs such as overseas warehousing and transportation under EXW and FOB terms must be included in the valuation scope.Last month,while helping Manager Shen from Suzhou handle a batch of precision machine tools imported from Germany,the supplier failed to report overseas warehousing fees.This nearly triggered a supplementary collection of 12% duty and late payment fees by customs.Ultimately,by providing supplementary payment slips and logistics details in advance,a loss of nearly 70,000 RMB was avoided.

Key Control Points for Valuation

• Prepare transaction price supporting materials in advance: including overseas purchase contracts,bank payment slips,and full logistics cost details,which must match the declared amount completely
• For goods from RCEP member countries,provide Certificate of Origin Form E to enjoy tariff reductions of up to 90%; must ensure certificate and cargo information are completely consistent
• If the buyer and seller have shareholding or affiliated relationships,must declare proactively and provide third-party arm’s length price proof to avoid valuation queries

Commodity Inspection Pre-Audit: Front-End Screening for Access Risks

In 2026,the commodity inspection system achieved real-time data synchronization with the customs single window.Mechanical and electrical products require early processing of Mechanical and Electrical Product Licenses,while chemicals require MSDS reports and hazardous label filing; otherwise,goods will be detained directly upon arrival at the port.Last year,while helping Supervisor Shao from Guangzhou handle a batch of imported cosmetics,the pre-audit was not completed in advance.The goods were detained at the port for 15 days,incurring demurrage fees of 32,000 RMB,and also affecting the brand’s offline distribution schedule.

Animal and Plant Quarantine: Compliance Red Lines for Special Categories

In 2026,customs strengthened animal and plant quarantine controls.Imports of fruits,meat,and other categories require early processing of Import Animal and Plant Quarantine Permits,and entry must be through designated ports.Previously,a batch of Chilean cherries for Ms.Zuo from Shandong was returned directly upon arrival because the designated port entry qualification was not applied for.Including cold chain logistics costs,the total loss was nearly 200,000 RMB.

• Confirm in advance whether the goods are listed in the quarantine access catalog; non-access categories must undergo access approval first
• Provide the official Animal and Plant Quarantine Certificate issued by the exporting country,which must clearly mark the cargo origin,inspection date,and quarantine results
• After cargo arrival at the port,must cooperate with customs sampling and testing; release procedures can be processed only after testing is qualified

Import License Processing: Efficient Operations Under 2026 New Regulations

In 2026,import licenses fully implemented electronic approval.Key controlled categories like steel and automobiles require applications submitted 30 days in advance,along with import purpose proof documents.For goods imported from Europe and America,must screen for anti-dumping duties and safeguard duties in advance to avoid cargo detention due to undeclared additional taxes.

Relying on the global agency network of the Shanghai headquarters,we can connect with overseas suppliers in advance to obtain complete documentation,while simultaneously linking with national ports to complete remote declarations,eliminating the need for enterprises to travel back and forth.Regarding the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) added in 2026,we can calculate carbon emissions in advance to ensure declarations meet compliance requirements.

Risk Warning: Hidden Traps in Import Customs Declaration

Many enterprises overlook the details of D/O fees.In 2026,D/O fees for shipping companies on European and American routes rose by an average of 15%,and some shipping companies also charge high hidden fees such as document fees and manifest fees.Additionally,late declaration fees are calculated starting the day after cargo arrival at the port.If declaration is not made within 14 days,late declaration fees are levied at 0.05% of the cargo value per day,up to a maximum of 30% of the cargo value.

Through the pre-audit of professional agents,we can connect with shipping companies in advance to confirm all fee standards,while ensuring declaration is completed within 24 hours after cargo arrival at the port to avoid late declaration fee losses.Furthermore,regarding the adjustment of the customs control and inspection model in 2026,we can predict inspection risks in advance,optimize declaration elements,and reduce the inspection rate.